Dr. Nicholas Jan

 Dr. Nicholas Jan (he/his) graduated The University of Maryland, College Park in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Economics with a minor in Chinese. He then went on to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in 2014 where he earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy.

Nicholas was introduced into the world of physical therapy while recovering from multiple ACL and meniscus surgeries throughout high school and college that inspired him to be a part of the field and help prevent injuries to others. During his doctorate program, Nicholas helped to run a research project on the effect of dynamic stretching on X-Factor I and golf l swing performance, for which he was published. Shortly after graduation, Nicholas earned his Level 1 and Medical Level 2 Titleist Performance Institute Certification for golf swing analysis, injury prevention and treatment.

In terms of treatment, Nicholas believes in a holistic approach that seeks to analyze the entire body to investigate the root SOURCE of pain, not purely the symptoms. Dr. Jan did his training through the Postural Restoration Institute (PRI: Myokinematics, Postural Respiration, Pelvis Restoration, Impingement and Instability, Cervical Revolution, Advanced Integration). He furthered his postural learning to include additional cranial strains and dental and visual integration through the Applied Integration Academy Masters Fellowship Program and the Fellowship Alumni Program. To match his passions with golf, Dr. Jan was trained in evaluating movement screens and assigning therapeutic exercises using the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA), and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) golf screens. In terms of manual techniques, Nicholas has been trained in utilizing Functional Dry Needling (FDN) and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) through Kinetacore and with visceral mobilizations through the Barral Institute (VM1).

Nicholas is homegrown from Rockville, Maryland where he attended Wootton High School. In his spare time, Nick loves watching his Terps, Commanders (hoping for a new name soon), Wizards, cooking new recipes, and playing basketball, golf, tennis, rock climbing and ultimate Frisbee.

Dr. Kristina Hsieh

Dr. Kristina Hsieh (she/her/hers) graduated from The University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill in 2014 with a Bachelors of Arts in Exercise and Sport Science, double minor in Chemistry and Chinese. She completed her graduate studies in 2019 at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) where she earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT). She was awarded the 2019 Joseph Beatus Award for Excellence in Patient-Centered Care. 

Kristina specializes in Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy treating pre/postpartum, pelvic pain, incontinence, prolapse, erectile dysfunction, SIJ Dysfunction, hypermobility, EDS/POTS. She did her training with Herman & Wallace. Kristina loves this specialty because “if you can help someone pee, poop, or have sex, you will dramatically change their quality of life!” Her treatments are guided by education and helping her patients understand how to connect and control their pelvic floor. 

She has been an instructor for courses to educate patients, students, and colleagues: 

• “Management of the Pregnant and Postpartum Client” - continuing education course

• “The Pelvic Floor: The Missing Link to Low Back and Hip Dysfunction” - UMES continuing education course

• “Pediatric Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy” - Georgetown Medical School Pediatric Grand Rounds

• “Strong as a Mother” - Postpartum workshop

She offers a holistic approach to care with her foundation of Muscle Energy Osteopathic Manual Therapy. Kristina trained through the Michigan State University, College of Osteopathic Medicine, where they emphasize the strong inter-relationship of the body as a whole. She has also completed many continuing education courses including Upledger Craniosacral Therapy, Diane Lee Integrative System Model (ISM), Birth Healing Summit, and Visceral Mobilization. 

She is also Myopain Certified for Trigger Point Dry Needling. 

Kristina is a Montgomery County native and grew up in Gaithersburg, where she attended Gaithersburg High School. She enjoys playing golf, ultimate frisbee, rock climbing, boxing, and running. Kristina loves cheering for her UNC Tarheels, especially during March Madness. She is a hardworking loving wife and mother of 2 who is always up for an adventure!

Services

MANUAL THERAPY

• Dry Needling

• Shockwave Therapy (Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy - Wide-Focus Electrohydraulic)

• Oralase Therapy

• Craniosomatic Therapy

• Craniosacral Therapy

• Custom Shoe Orthotic Fitting

• Cupping

• Myofascial Release

• Trigger Point Release

• Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

• Strain Counter-Strain Techniques

• Muscle Energy Techniques

• Taping

• Visceral Mobilization

ASSESSMENT

• Posture

• Gait (Walk) Analysis

• Shoe Fitting Analysis

• Dental Analysis (Airway, Palate and Occlusal positioning)

• Visual Analysis

• Joint Positions

• Muscle Imbalances

EDUCATION

• Posture

• Breathing

• Shoe Wear

• Mattress and Pillow

• Sleep Positions

• Workplace Ergonomics

HOME EXERCISE PROGRAM

• Techniques tailored specifically to each patient to correct muscle imbalances

SPORTS REHABILITATION 

• Post-Operative Rehabilitation

• Muscle Re-activation

• Compensatory Inhibition

• Return to Field Training

• Improving Performance

MODALITIES

• Shockwave Therapy (Advanced Electrohydraulic Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy)

• Oralase Therapy (Low-Level Light Therapy - Photobiomodulation)

• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

• Functional Dry Needling with Point Stimulator for Electrical Stimulation

TELEHEALTH

• Face-to-Face Online Video Conference

• Explanation and Demonstrations of Testing Positions for Assessment

• Explanation and Demonstrations of Home Exercise Program

• Home Ergonomics Assessment

• Digital Copies of Home Exercise Program

GOLF

• Online Golf Swing Analysis

• Golf Movement Screen using the SFMA (Selective Functional Movement Assessment)

What We Treat

Have you been ever been told...

• "Just take a pain reliever"

• "This injection will take away the pain"

• "Surgery is the best option for you"

At Jan Active Therapy, we seek to find the SOURCE of your pain rather than masking it with band-aid treatment approaches that involve medications, injections, or surgery. 

Below is a list of common conditions that are treated here at Jan Active Therapy:

• Neck Pain

• Low/Mid Back Pain

• TMD (Temporomandibular Disorder) / TMJ Disorder

• Headaches

• Sleep Apnea

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (Sexual dysfunction, Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse)

• Pain Related to Pregnancy and Rehabilitation Postpartum

• Constipation

• Piriformis Syndrome

• Sciatica

• Arthritis

• Disc Herniation

• Scoliosis

• Tennis Elbow

• Golfer’s Elbow

• Rotator Cuff Injuries/Shoulder Impingement

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS)

• Hip/Pelvis Pain

• Meniscus Tears

• ACL Prevention and Rehabilitation

• Patellar Tendinitis "Jumper's Knee"

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Ankle Sprains

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Respiratory Issues such as COPD

If your problem is not listed above, please call us to find out if we have the right solution for you. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

• We advocate against allowing for-profit health insurance to dictate your medical needs by determining what is "medically necessary" for you. Instead of prioritizing their own interests, we prioritize yours. Being Out-of-Network with health insurance enables us to deliver superior results and tailor treatment plans to YOUR needs and goals. Unlike in-network clinics, we do not divide our attention among multiple patients. You will always receive individualized attention from your physical therapist for the duration necessary to achieve your goals.

  Payment is required at the time of service, but we provide detailed invoices for submission to your health insurance provider for out-of-network reimbursement. Alternatively, you can utilize your flexible spending account or health savings account, if available.

How much do I expect to pay Out-of-Network?

• Year 2026 rates will be $230 for the initial evaluation and $190 per subsequent session.

How long are treatment sessions?

• Evaluations and treatment sessions will take approximately 50 minutes with the last 10 minutes of the hour dedicated to scheduling, billing, and prepping the room for the next client.

• Shockwave treatments alone are usually 5-10 minutes long depending on the region.

What do I need to bring to my first appointment?

• Insurance cards and ID

• Shoes that you wear most often.

• Less restricting clothing such as shorts, T-shirts, and sports bras for women.

  • This allows for proper, holistic evaluation of your movement patterns.

 Where is the entrance to your home office?

• There is a gate on the left side of my home with my logo on it. Once through the gate, a stone pathway will lead to my clinic entrance. You can park on the street directly in front of my house.

• Please wait in your vehicle until your appointment time before entering the clinic as we do not have a designated waiting area.

Clinic Entrance

Contact US

Our Office

1509 Baylor Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850

Phone

(301) 744-9673

Fax

(240)-366-6079

Hours:

M: 7:00a–7:30p

Tu: 7:00a–7:30p

W: 7:00a–7:30p

Th: 7:00a-7:30p

Fri: 7:00a–3:00p

Appointment Only

Oralase

Restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve breathing—without surgery or downtime.

What is Oralase Therapy?

Oralase is an advanced, non-invasive treatment that uses targeted low-level light therapy (photobiomodulation) to gently stimulate the soft tissues of the mouth, tongue, and jaw.

Unlike surgical laser treatments that cut or burn tissue, Oralase works at a cellular level. It uses specific light wavelengths to awaken dormant cells, relax tight fascia, and tone deep oral muscles. It is entirely non-surgical, pain-free, and requires zero recovery time.

How the Science Works

Light energy triggers natural healing deep within your tissue cells through three main mechanisms:

• Cellular Energy Boost (ATP Production): Light photons penetrate deep into tissue cells, stimulating the mitochondria (the cell's powerhouse) to produce more ATP energy. This speeds up natural tissue repair and reduces inflammation.

• Fascial & Muscle Release: Deep light energy relaxes chronic tension in tight oral fascia and facial muscles, improving structural alignment across the mouth, neck, and jaw.

• Airway & Tissue Toning: By encouraging collagen production and cellular regeneration, Oralase restores elasticity and firmness to soft tissue in the palate and throat, aiding functional breathing.

Key Benefits of Oralase

• Non-Surgical Tongue & Lip Tie Release: Helps gently release tight oral tethering without cutting or invasive procedures.

• TMJ & Facial Pain Relief: Deeply relaxes overactive jaw muscles, reducing pain, tightness, and clenching.

• Airway & Breathing Improvement: Tones tissue in the soft palate and throat to open airways and minimize mouth breathing.

• Enhanced Post-Surgical Healing: Accelerates recovery and reduces scar tissue build-up if surgical intervention was previously required.

• Pain-Free & Safe: Gentle warming sensation with no needles, no numbing, and no downtime.

Who Can Benefit?

Oralase therapy is safe for patients of all ages, from infants to adults. It is commonly integrated into therapy plans for:

• Adults suffering from TMJ disorders, jaw tension, or chronic neck tightness

• Individuals seeking snoring reduction or airway optimization

• Children and adults preparing for or recovering from tongue-tie (frenectomies)

• Patients undergoing myofunctional therapy to improve tongue posture and swallowing mechanics

What to Expect During Your Session

1. Assessment: We evaluate your oral mobility, jaw function, and tissue tightness to tailor the light settings.

2. Treatment: A smooth wand emitting non-thermal laser light is gently swept along the inside of your cheeks, tongue, palate, and jaw area.

3. Sensation: Most patients feel only a mild, soothing warmth. Each session typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes.

4. Immediate Integration: Because there is no pain or tissue damage, we can perform targeted physical therapy and myofunctional exercises immediately after your light session for optimal results.

ALF Therapy

Holistic treatment that uses ultra-light, flexible wire appliances to gently expand the dental arches, balance the craniofacial bones, improve tongue posture, and open the airway.

Gentle, non-invasive expansion to improve breathing, relieve jaw pain, and align the body from the head down.

What is ALF Therapy?

ALF (Advanced Lightwire Functional) therapy is an innovative approach to craniofacial orthopedics and airway health. Unlike traditional braces that use heavy mechanical forces to pull teeth into alignment, ALF uses custom, lightweight wire appliances fitted behind the teeth.

The ALF appliance applies subtle, natural pressure to gently expand the dental arches, release cranial strains, and create vital space for the tongue and airway. It works with your body’s natural growth mechanisms rather than forcing them.

The Science Behind ALF

ALF therapy operates at the intersection of orthodontics, osteopathy, and neurological regulation:

• Cranial Osteopathy & Bone Remodeling: The flexible wire mimics natural physiological forces. By supporting the subtle, micro-movements of the cranial sutures (bones of the skull), it resolves chronic cranial strains and balances jaw structure without rigid restriction.

• Airway Expansion & Tongue Space: Widening the roof of the mouth gives the tongue room to rest in its proper position against the palate. This elevates the airway, discourages mouth breathing, and supports healthy nasal respiration.

• Postural & Neurological Harmony: The alignment of the jaw directly impacts head posture, cervical spine stability, and the autonomic nervous system. Providing continuous, gentle sensory input helps regulate the nervous system and relieve full-body muscular compensations.

Key Benefits of ALF Therapy

• Airway & Breathing Optimization: Expands oral volume to clear air passages, reducing snoring, sleep-disordered breathing, and mouth breathing.

• TMJ & Craniofacial Pain Relief: Reduces tension in the jaw joint, head, and neck by restoring natural alignment to the craniofacial bones.

• Postural Alignment: Rebalancing jaw mechanics helps correct forward head posture and chronic upper body strain.

• Integrates with Physical & Myofunctional Therapy: Prepares the oral structure so physical and myofunctional exercises yield longer-lasting functional results.

• Discreet & Non-Invasive: Hidden behind the teeth, comfortable to wear, and far gentler than traditional rapid expanders.

Who Can Benefit?

ALF therapy is effective for both children and adults:

• Children: Guides early facial growth, opens airways, and prevents severe dental crowding before it occurs.

• Adults with TMJ & Airway Restraints: Relieves chronic jaw pain, head tightness, neck issues, or sleep apnea symptoms.

• Physical Therapy Patients: Helps individuals whose neck, shoulder, or postural issues stem from underlying bite or jaw imbalances.

Our Collaborative Physical Therapy Approach

Successful ALF therapy relies on a multidisciplinary approach. While an ALF-trained dentist fits and adjusts the appliance, our physical therapy team works alongside it to:

1. Release Surrounding Tension: Manual therapy for the neck, shoulders, and suboccipital muscles to support cranial expansion.

2. Train Functional Movement: Re-educate tongue posture, swallowing patterns, and nasal breathing mechanics (orofacial myofunctional therapy).

3. Stabilize Whole-Body Posture: Ensure the structural changes in your jaw translate into long-term postural balance throughout your spine.

Electro-Hydraulic Shockwave

Stem Cell Migration

Throughout a period of 12 weeks or longer, your body will continue directing its own stem cells to the affected area to support healing and regeneration

Blood vessel formation

New capillary blood vessels develop, resulting in a permanent increase in blood flow.

inflammation control

Shockwave therapy helps control inflammation through something called the Toll-Like Receptor 3 (TLR3). You can think of it like an on/off switch—once inflammation has helped with healing, the ‘switch’ is turned off to prevent it from lingering and causing chronic problems.

What is electro-hydraulic shockwave?

A Non-Invasive Boost for Your Natural Healing Process

Electrohydraulic ESWT (a specialized form of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy) stimulates the body’s own repair mechanisms—without needles, downtime, or guesswork. This advanced technology is available only at select facilities in the U.S.

How Can Electrohydraulic ESWT Help?

Whether you’re dealing with acute pain or chronic injuries, Electrohydraulic ESWT can help reset and accelerate your body’s healing process.

• In chronic conditions, it reactivates stalled healing responses.

• In acute injuries, it speeds up recovery and makes healing more efficient.

Why Choose Electrohydraulic Shockwave Over Other Regenerative Treatments?

• Completely non-invasive – no needles, no downtime.

• Proven regenerative benefits – backed by scientific research.

• Immediate feedback – ensures treatment is delivered exactly where it’s needed.

• Versatility – multiple areas can be treated in a single session.

• Different from PRP or stem cell injections – instead of injecting cells, ESWT stimulates your body to create its own.

Why Not Other “Shockwave” Devices?

Not all “shockwave” therapies are the same. Electrohydraulic ESWT is:

• Non-traumatic – gentle but powerful.

• Efficient – largest treatment area and shorter session times.

• Most scientifically supported – Wide-Focus, Low-Intensity Electrohydraulic ESWT (pioneered by Sanuwave®) has the strongest clinical backing.

⚠️ Be cautious of other devices marketed as “shockwave” (such as radial, piezoelectric, or electromagnetic waves). They are not the same.

Why THIS Device?

We use the Profile® by Sanuwave®—the most advanced Electrohydraulic ESWT system available.

• Stronger shockwaves with less discomfort.

• Reaches deeper tissues other devices cannot.

• Produces longer-lasting results in fewer, shorter sessions.

• Currently, we are the only practice in Maryland offering this device.

Can It Improve Performance?

Yes! Electrohydraulic ESWT isn’t only for injuries. Studies show it can:

• Increase muscle resilience,

• Enhance recovery,

• Reduce risk of overuse injuries,

• Improve performance even in healthy athletes.

Who Uses the Profile® by Sanuwave®?

This device is trusted by numerous professional and collegiate teams, including the:

🏀 Los Angeles Lakers
⚾ Cleveland Guardians
⚾ Chicago Cubs
⚾ San Francisco Giants
🏈 UCLA Bruins

The Profile® is an FDA-listed Class I medical device, designed and built in Switzerland.

When Will I Feel Results?

• Many patients notice immediate pain relief and increased mobility.

• For others, results may take a few treatments or several weeks.

• Benefits from a single session can last 12+ weeks.

How Many Treatments Are Needed?

• Most patients see results with 3 sessions (1000–1250 pulses) over 4–6 weeks.

• More complex cases (degenerative conditions, bone or nerve healing, low vascularity, or athletic demands) may require additional sessions and periodic “tune-ups.”

💡 My goal is always to get you better, faster, and with lasting results—not to provide “mini” sessions that appear cheaper but deliver less.

Rates & Packages

For current rates and package options, please email: nicholasjan.dpt@gmail.com

(Rates are based on 1250 pulses per session. A single session includes treatment of the painful area plus surrounding contributing regions.)